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Sandstone Cladding Merges with Porotherm Earthen Blocks in a Contemporary Residential Setting

Sandstone Cladding Merges with Porotherm Earthen Blocks in a Contemporary Residential Setting
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Merging sandstone cladding with porotherm earthen blocks, this residential design emphasizes energy efficiency and functional zoning while accommodating diverse family needs through flexible living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes porotherm earthen blocks for superior thermal insulation and sustainability.
02
Features a double-height living area to enhance natural light and spatial perception.
03
Incorporates a dedicated children's play area adjacent to landscaped gardens.
04
Combines traditional sandstone cladding with modern construction techniques for durability.
05
Designed with multiple flexible spaces to adapt to changing family needs.

### Project Overview

The residential building is situated in an urban context designed to balance functional living spaces with aesthetic appeal. Featuring a four-bedroom layout, the structure spans three levels and integrates both private and communal areas, facilitating a conducive environment for interaction among residents while ensuring individual privacy.

### Spatial Strategy

The design employs a strategic spatial configuration that delineates communal and private areas effectively. The ground floor is dedicated to social functions, featuring a central ‘Majlis’ room that serves as a focal point for gatherings, complemented by a pantry and kitchen connection. Adjacent to the entrance, covered parking for two vehicles and a children's play area enhance practicality. The upper levels provide private quarters with two en-suite bedrooms on the first floor, each incorporating dressing areas and direct access to balconies. The second floor offers additional utility with a recreational terrace equipped for solar panel installation, reinforcing the structure's energy efficiency.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A careful selection of materials underscores the project’s commitment to durability and environmental responsibility. Porotherm earthen blocks are used for their thermal properties, while reinforced cement concrete (RCC) slabs ensure structural integrity against climatic variations. Mild steel (MS) sections in beams and columns facilitate ease of recycling. The facade is finished with sandstone cladding, connecting visually with local materials, whereas the flooring features locally sourced marble and granite, combining resilience with aesthetic quality. This approach not only emphasizes sustainability but also aligns with the project's goal of creating a harmonious living environment.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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